Lakes Near Hilo
Every once in a while you should spend some time on the water. A lake vacation can be amazing for those who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.
There are many great motivations to visit a lake in Hilo while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Hilo have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. The time is now! Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then make the trip this weekend to find your own number one spot on the water!
Lakes Close to Hilo
Lake Activities
A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy getaway provides an almost boundless amount of stuff for families, couples, or even those seeking some quality alone time.
Here are some of our top picks for activities when you arrive at a lake near Hilo:
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.
Fishing. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.
Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes give you several options.
Lake Getaway Prep
Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. However, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your lake getaway so there’s nothing to stress over!
The basics
When you’re out on a lake near Hilo you will likely need to bring several of these items to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and enjoying your time.
- Sweatshirt and sweatpants
- Bathing suits
- Bug spray
- Snacks
- Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
- Sunglasses
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- USB charger
- Radio or speaker
- Proper footwear
Specialty lake gear
The following items might prove useful for getaways to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check for some of these so you’re not missing something critical.
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Bait
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Swimming goggles
- Diapers and baby gear
- Fishing poles, nets, etc.
- Your tackle box
- Toys for the beach
- Wine key
- Books
Lake Safety
While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Following a few standard safety tips that will ensure that your whole group are always safe while around the lake.
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Make sure no one swims alone
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
More Ideas for Lake Fun
Few people get a chance to make their way to the lakes near Hilo and might have some questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, any body of water is going to have their own character and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a handful of items to look into while assembling your itinerary that might help start your trip on the right foot.
- Make the most of the best local resources. When you have time for a longer getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.
- Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Doing a quick Google search can usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
- Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Hilo may be swarmed with beachgoers. To find more space to spread out, research multiple lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular beach!
